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All I Want for Christmas Is… (Part V)

As far as I’m concerned I don’t need a single present under the tree or even a piece of coal in my stocking. While both are appreciated, my soul is set on a few other goodies. Not necessarily things to be wrapped, but much-needed gifts. Join us during the month of December as we explore several blessings we’d love to receive this Christmas.

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Never mind the holiday madness, my life is busy. Your life is busy. Our lives are packed to the gills with wonderful things. Perhaps overly stuffed. We have filled our days to the point that taking on one more task feels overwhelming and impossible. But what if that one more thing is an incredible opportunity to be used by God?

This Christmas, I’d love to be gifted with a heart to serve the Lord. In truth, He is using me right now, where I am. But if I’m honest, I’m not always as gracious about it as I’d like to be. And definitely not as gracious as I ought to be. I lose sight of His vision and replace it with my own warped image of what I think I ought to be doing. My eagerness to serve can sometimes find me adding more to my plate than the Lord is asking of me. Thus when He does bring ministry my way, I make excuses. I don’t have the time, I can’t possibly go where He is leading, or I find myself incapable. Excuses of the first order.

Please don’t think I take this lightly. Being willing to serve the Lord no matter where He leads is a leap of faith and obedience. While we might have visions of television opportunities, grand book deals, or concerts which amaze thousands, God might have better use for us in a remote jungle or in the slums of big cities. Humbler still; He might not ask us to move at all, but to remain quietly where we are because this is where we are needed. This, too, can be hard. Serving is not meant to bring us glory or fame, but to draw others close to the Father. In addition, serving whole-heartedly might also cost. Our lives, our security, and our comfort are all surrendered in order to carry out His mission.

Before I ask the Lord to bless me with ministry, I would do well to ask for a heart to serve and a willingness to follow wherever He leads. I would ask for wisdom, both in knowing when to say “yes” and “no”. I pray for courage to step out in faith; obedience to stand no matter the call; and an overwhelming desire to do what is right. May I serve the Lord with all that is in me, holding nothing back.

We’re curious… Do you have a least favorite chore? Mine is coming up with what’s on the week’s menu. I love the cooking, but hate figuring out what everyone is willing to eat!

“How can you tell if you have a servant attitude? By the way you react when you are treated like one.”~ Unknown

2 thoughts on “All I Want for Christmas Is… (Part V)”

My least favorite chore is laundry!!! There are too many steps. You can’t just knock it out and be done with it. You have to sort, wash, wait for the washer to finish, move them over to the dryer, more waiting, fold and hang, then put away…. it’s just so much